In a significant policy shift, the Indian government has embarked on extensive water diversion initiatives, aiming to redirect substantial volumes of water from the Indus River system. This move follows the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), a longstanding agreement between India and Pakistan that has governed water sharing since 1960.

Central to this strategy is the expansion of the Ranbir Canal on the Chenab River. Originally constructed in the 19th century and spanning approximately 60 kilometers, plans are underway to extend the canal to 120 kilometers. This development is projected to increase water diversion capacity from the current 40 cubic meters per second to 150 cubic meters per second. Such a significant augmentation is expected to impact Pakistan's Punjab province, where agriculture heavily relies on these water resources.

In addition to the Ranbir Canal project, India is advancing the construction of hydroelectric projects on the Chenab, Jhelum, and Indus rivers. These initiatives aim to enhance India's capacity to regulate water flow and utilize its share more effectively. The government is also focusing on building reservoirs to store large quantities of water, thereby increasing control over its distribution.

These measures are part of a broader strategy to maximize the utilization of water resources allocated to India under the IWT. While the treaty permitted India certain rights over the eastern rivers, the current developments signify a more assertive approach to water management, especially in light of recent geopolitical tensions.

The suspension of the IWT and subsequent infrastructural projects have raised concerns about regional stability and the potential for escalated disputes over water resources. As India proceeds with these plans, the international community watches closely, given the critical importance of the Indus River system to both nations.